JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 23, 2024
Join our WhatsApp channel
LAHORE–The Punjab Assembly passed the Defamation Bill 2024, sparking significant protests from journalists and media bodies. The bill, which aims to address defamation issues, has been criticized by media professionals as a tool for silencing dissent and restricting press freedom.
Arshad Ansari, President of the Lahore Press Club (LPC), addressed a gathering of protesting journalists, revealing that the government engaged in discussions with them for over two hours. Despite these talks, the government refused to postpone the bill's approval for a week to allow for a broader stakeholder consensus.
In his address, Ansari highlighted the apparent hypocrisy of the current government, recalling how Maryam Nawaz Sharif had previously joined journalists in protesting against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) amendments proposed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. But now her party's government in the federation and Punjab are implementing laws aimed at gagging the media, Ansari lamented.
Ansari warned of further protests and possible sit-ins, stating that a joint action committee, including representatives from both print and electronic media bodies, would determine the future course of action within two days. The media community remains staunch in its opposition to the bill, viewing it as a direct threat to press freedom and democratic principles in Pakistan, potentially leading to a chilling effect on free speech and independent journalism.
Punjab Assembly, Defamation Bill 2024, journalists protest, media freedom, Lahore Press Club, Arshad Ansari, government criticism, media gagging, press freedom, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, PECA, Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, joint action committee, media bodies, sit-in, stakeholder consensus, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, PTI, law approval, democratic principles, press community backlash.
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.